The Atlanta Falcons are officially 2-6 and running dangerously close to being mathematically eliminated from the postseason. So where does the blame fall? Is Matt Ryan to blame? Are injuries to players like Julio Jones and Roddy White causing the problem? IS the defensive coaching staff not stepping up to the raised expectations that surrounded the Falcons in the offseason? All of that is certainly a reason, but right now head coach Mike Smith is screaming over turnovers as Week 10 approaches.
The Falcons rank 28th in turnover margin. They are averaging at least one turnover per game. Ryan has thrown seven interceptions that may or may not be his fault. The running backs have coughed up the ball a time or two. All of that has led to failure and Smith is not pleased. Without pointing a finger totally a Ryan, the coach believes if turnovers continue, the team is doomed.
"Guys, we've got to take care of the football," Smith said, via Atlanta Journal Constitution. "Possession of the football is nine-tenths of the game. That's what you've got to do when you're on the offensive side of the ball: You have to possess the football. And it's not just the responsibility of the quarterback. It's the responsibility of everyone on the offensive side, including the coaches in terms of making sure that we take care of the ball."
Things will not get easier for Ryan against the Seattle Seahawks. He will be without Jones and likely White who still is not ready to return and facing a secondary that includes the likes of Richard Sherman, Brandon Browner and Earl Thomas. If the quarterback is not careful, things will get ugly fast.
"If you play sports long enough, there will be ups and downs, and waves throughout that," Ryan said. "I've played poorly before, but it's about trying to stop that at one, and moving on. I wasn't able to do that."
Players like Tony Gonzalez are attempting to remain positive throughout the rough season being put on by Atlanta. The tight end said he is very confident that Ryan would go in to study film this week and truly learn from his mistakes.
"I know Matt. He's going to look at this film. He's going to obsess over it," Gonzalez said. "I have no doubt he's going to bounce back."
The Seahawks will enter into the Georgia Dome very motivated in Week 10. Last season, the Falcons knocked Seattle out of the postseason with a game-winning field goal that now feels ages ago with the way the team looks this year.
